5 Handy hints to control your mobile data usage

1.       Hunt out WiFi hotspots
When you are out, look out for free WiFi hotspots available in public spaces. Go to cosy spaces like cafes, restaurants, fast food chains, libraries, airport and Apple stores (always a good bet!).
Set up a wireless network if you have broadband in your home. Instead of consuming mobile internet data, connect to WiFi.

2.       Turn data roaming off when overseas
Avoid data roaming rip-off when travelling overseas by turning your data roaming off. This can prevent data and email used by background apps from causing horrid bill-shock when you come back to Oz.
To turn off data roaming:
iPhones: Settings > General > Network > Data Roaming
Android: Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming
3.        Game, music or video streaming can use data very quickly
Did you know that a high quality music streaming (256 kbps) can chew through over 100MB in an hour? And HD video can use 1 GB per hour! This could send you way over your limit if you’re not careful.
Even interactive online games use anywhere between 10 MB and 80 MB and can plough through download limits.
Unless it’s an emergency, download apps, music, podcasts and games on WiFi only. To help manage your data usage, choose a lower-quality when streaming music or video to your mobile.
4.       Delete unused apps from your phone
Unused apps take up priceless memory space and may be sending and receiving data.

5.       Turn off push notifications and background data for apps

A lot of apps use data even when you are not actively using them. Once you download an app, turn off push notifications whenever you can and switch them back on manually when you need to use the app. It’s also best to limit your background data capability across your apps.

Photo resource: www.news.com.au www.bleepingcomputer.com